Experience is often valued because of the lessons prior jobs have theoretically provided us with. While hearing about those lessons isn’t a replacement for actually experiencing it, we thought it would be very helpful to create a space where sharp and generous members of the community can come together to share stories and lessons learned at prior jobs for the benefit of others.

Natalie Contrera

The most important lesson I’ve ever learned on a job was get a contract signed, with everything in detail and don’t take paper checks. I used to do bridal hair styling and makeup artistry. Read more>>

Chenae Day

As a physical therapist in the Army, it was my job to translate all day, every day. I had to translate medical jargon into words my patients could understand. I had to make boring exercises exciting so that patients would actually do them and get better. I had to translate Army jargon for civilian patients. Read more>>

Kristina Solloway

About two years into my business, I found myself feeling burnt out and no longer enjoying it. I took a summer off from cakes to give myself time to reflect on what I really wanted to do that would make me happy. Read more>>

Liz Ogle

We all went through the struggle of 2020, teams all of a sudden were required to stay home, events and programs were canceled, and it seemed like everything was at a standstill. Working for the community, specifically parks and recreation, Read more>>

Rebekka Reynolds

My in-laws prepared me for the world of entrepreneurship. I went to college with the mindset that one day I would own my own business and complete world domination. You know, usual college stuff. What would I major in? Read more>>

Leah Avigdori

Where I am now compared to where I was before are like night and day. I had stepped out of the industry for several years to raise my two boys. Once I decided to return I felt like I was starting from scratch. My entry back into the esthetics field was at a day spa near my home. Long story short, it was a miserable experience. Read more>>

Christine Young

While I was working towards my art therapy degree, I was interning at Children’s Hospital Boston on their child and adolescent inpatient psychiatry unit. My years worth of work was coming to an end. Additionally I was receiving supervision both at school and at the hospital. Read more>>

Leah Huggins

Fresh out of college I was afforded the opportunity to work as a paid intern at a Fortune 500 company. I was very excited about the experience; however, it quickly turned into a nightmare. My supervisor was mean and I was afraid to stand up for myself because I was making great money, traveling, and getting a lot of exposure. Read more>>

Nathan Guerrero

Do not let people take advantage of you. Before I became a tattoo artist I was an EMT for a private company that works on construction site projects. long story short I was guaranteed a certain position with a certain pay which I did have for a few months then from one day to the next I was cut from that position and forced to take one with a significantly lower pay. so being the person I am, Read more>>

Savannah D’Orazio

One of the most important lessons I learned as a business owner came from my experience working for a non-profit organization. When I first started the job, I was excited to be a part of an organization that was making a positive impact in the community. Read more>>

Kay Azna

The most important lesson in a job that applies directly to my life now, is actually twofold. It’s what ultimately led me to the music industry, and it’s saving my butt as a growing artist. The value of security. Read more>>

Kerri Howerton

As a female in a male dominated profession you learn really fast how much you are unlike males. Working in a traditional chiropractic office and having small children I understood my feminine desires much more strongly. Read more>>

Lisa Marie Rodriguez

Don’t just stay content. EVER. Satisfaction doesn’t equal happiness. You have one life. With that being said, you shouldn’t choose a career or business you truly aren’t passionate about. I learned that with experience and although I am a Hairstylist and business owner now, Read more>>

Kimberly Shead

Honestly everyday in this field or any field you learn something important. It’s up to you if actually take the time to learn from it. Over the years I’ve learned many of things, especially how to actually shut up listen step back and evaluate. Read more>>

Sade Hall

What a great topic prompt, very significant to me because had this lesson never been revealed I’m almost certain I would have not started Fetching Hair Co. One of my last jobs was working for an organization/business to which I will not name. Read more>>

Tara Sampson

So this is going to be one of those, “worst boss ever, but I’m grateful for the experience stories.” After being a professional singer and actor for a few years, I wanted to branch out into music direction. There was a local theatre I had worked with as an actor a couple of times, and the director had cast me in the past; Read more>>

Alexis Wilson

The most important lesson/experience I had in a job that has helped me in my professional career is the art of Hospitality. For most of my professional career while in college I was always drawn to the service field. During my time in the service field I have had to learn to deal with many personalities to say the least. Read more>>

Diane Vierra

When I worked in IL as a nanny, I worked with a family that chose not to put boundaries on their youngest daughters. You could say they allowed them to be “the boss”, in all but name. These girls were very used to getting everything they wanted without much pushback at all, and the longer I spent time with them, Read more>>